Director of National Intelligence

Business

Apple Bets Big on AI: $2B Q.ai Acquisition and Google Gemini Partnership Reshape Future of Siri and Devices

In a strategic double move, Apple has acquired Israeli AI startup Q.ai for nearly $2 billion and forged a landmark partnership with Google to integrate Gemini AI into Siri. These developments signal a profound shift in Apple's approach to artificial intelligence, moving it from the periphery to the core of its hardware and services ecosystem, with significant implications for user experience and the competitive landscape.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Brazilian Fintech Giant Nubank Clears Key U.S. Hurdle, Paving Way for National Bank and Potential Crypto Services

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has granted Nubank conditional approval to establish a national bank, a significant step that could see the digital banking leader offer federally regulated crypto custody alongside traditional banking products in the United States.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Corn Futures Slide to End January Amid Strong Dollar, Export Strength Fails to Offset Pressure

Corn futures extended losses on Friday, pressured by a strengthening U.S. dollar and weaker crude oil prices. Despite robust export sales data running ahead of historical pace, front-month contracts fell 5 to 5.5 cents, pushing the national average cash price lower.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Altria's Q4: Revenue Surge Overshadowed by Profit Squeeze as Smokeless Push Accelerates

Altria Group (MO) posted stronger-than-expected Q4 revenue, driven by its core tobacco brands and oral nicotine products, but saw its shares fall as profit margins contracted sharply. The company is betting on a national rollout of its ON! Plus pouches and manufacturing upgrades to fuel its smoke-free future.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Valley National Bancorp Beats Q4 Estimates on Strong Deposit Growth, Outlines Path for Margin Expansion

Valley National Bancorp (VLY) reported fourth-quarter revenue and profit that topped Wall Street forecasts, driven by robust core deposit growth and disciplined balance sheet management. The regional bank's leadership pointed to strategic tech investments and commercial loan demand as key pillars for its 2025 outlook.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Baxter International's Rocky Road: Can the Healthcare Giant Regain Wall Street's Confidence?

After a punishing year of underperformance and operational setbacks, Baxter International faces a skeptical analyst community. While some see deep value, the consensus remains firmly on hold as the company navigates product challenges and revised guidance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

CN Rail Posts Strong Q4 Gains but Warns of Flat Freight Volumes Ahead Amid Trade Uncertainty

Canadian National Railway reported improved revenue and operating income for the fourth quarter of 2025, citing productivity gains and recovery from prior-year port disruptions. However, the company issued a cautious outlook for 2026, forecasting 'flattish' freight volumes as U.S.-Canada trade tensions and a major regulatory review loom.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Germany Updates U.S. Travel Advisory Amid Immigration Crackdowns, Joining Wave of Nations Urging Caution

Germany has revised its official travel guidance for the United States, warning citizens of potential risks linked to immigration enforcement actions and civil unrest. The move aligns with a broader trend, as multiple allied nations have strengthened their advisories over the past year, reflecting growing international concern over U.S. domestic policies.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Citi Trims PDD Price Target to $142 Ahead of Earnings, Citing Domestic Slowdown and Temu Costs

Ahead of its Q4 2025 results, Citigroup has revised its price target for PDD Holdings downward, maintaining a Neutral stance. The adjustment reflects concerns over slowing Chinese consumer spending and rising operational costs for its international platform, Temu.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

International Paper's Stock Slump: A Value Play or a Warning Sign?

Shares of International Paper (IP) have retreated sharply in recent sessions, underperforming its longer-term track record and prompting a fresh debate among investors over whether the packaging giant is now undervalued or facing deeper headwinds.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Maryland Sees Sharp Drop in Weekly Jobless Claims, Outpacing National Trend

New unemployment filings in Maryland fell significantly last week, offering a spot of positive news for the state's labor market as national claims also edged lower.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Goldman Sachs Lifts Zeta Global Target to $26, Eyes Software M&A Wave on Horizon

Goldman Sachs raises its price target for Zeta Global (ZETA), citing strategic positioning ahead of an expected surge in software sector mergers and acquisitions driven by valuation gaps and synergy potential.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Meta's $135 Billion AI Gamble: Zuckerberg's 'Superintelligence' Vision Fuels Record Infrastructure Spending

Meta Platforms is charting an unprecedented course in capital investment, with plans to spend up to $135 billion by 2026 to build the infrastructure for AI 'superintelligence.' The staggering sum highlights the scale of Big Tech's arms race and raises questions about long-term returns.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Israel Acknowledges Gaza Death Toll Nears 70,000, Marking Shift After Years of Dispute

In a significant departure from its longstanding position, an Israeli military official has acknowledged a death toll in Gaza close to 70,000, aligning with figures long maintained by Palestinian health authorities. This admission follows over two years of war and persistent international scrutiny over casualty counts.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

IBM Kicks Off 2026 Tech Bond Rush with Multi-Billion Dollar Offering

IBM has launched a multi-billion dollar, multi-currency bond sale, becoming one of the first major technology firms to access debt markets this year. The move, which comes amid strong investor appetite for tech credit, is seen as a bellwether for how the sector will fund growth initiatives in artificial intelligence and strategic acquisitions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Schneider National Navigates Tough Q4 as Freight Demand Falters, Eyes Supply-Driven Recovery

Schneider National's Q4 2025 earnings fell short of expectations, pressured by a sharp late-year drop in freight demand and severe weather. While acknowledging near-term challenges, executives pointed to early signs of market normalization and detailed strategic cost actions aimed at positioning the carrier for an eventual upcycle.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Murphy Oil Navigates Price Volatility, Bets Big on Vietnam and Offshore Growth in 2026

Despite a challenging price environment, Murphy Oil (MUR) reported strong operational execution for 2025 and laid out a capital plan focused on funding key international and offshore projects. While near-term production is set to dip, CEO Eric Hambly highlighted a transformative discovery in Vietnam and strategic portfolio expansion as pillars for future growth.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Schneider National Charts Course Through Market Headwinds, Eyes Long-Term Growth Despite Q4 Challenges

Facing a tough freight environment, Schneider National's leadership outlines a strategy centered on cost discipline, tech investment, and strategic positioning in intermodal and dedicated services to steer toward future profitability.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

International Seaways Charts New Course: Fleet Reshuffle and Full Tankers International Takeover Fuel Valuation Debate

International Seaways (INSW) is aggressively repositioning its fleet, securing full control of Tankers International and selling older vessels. As its stock surges, analysts are divided on whether the strategic moves have already been priced in or if significant upside remains.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

International Paper Unveils Major Split: To Form Two Regional Packaging Giants

In a strategic overhaul, International Paper announced plans to separate into two independent, publicly traded companies focused on North America and EMEA markets, marking the next phase of its multi-year transformation.

Jan 30, 2026